Completely solved question paper with Explanation
Section A Multiple Choice Question (1 mark x21)
Q1. Which of the following artifacts from the Harappan civilization was mainly used to facilitate long-distance contacts?
(A) Conch Shell
(B) Stone Chert
(C) Seals
(D) Steatite
Answer : (C) Seals
Explanation:
Harappan seals were engraved with animals and script and used for long-distance trade and communication. They acted as identity marks and were found even in Mesopotamian sites, showing trade links.
Q2. “Burnt grains and seeds discovered from Harappan sites provide information about ancient diets and food habits. Their study is done by —”
(A) Archaeobotanists
(B) Paleozoologists
(C) Palaeo-epigraphists
(D) Paleontologists
Answer: (A) Archaeobotanists
Explanation:
Archaeobotanists (Palaeobotanists) study ancient plant remains — grains, seeds, pollen — to reconstruct diet and agriculture. For example, barley and wheat were identified in Harappan sites.
3. Correctly matched pair in the context of Harappan Civilization:
i. Seals and sealings – spreading religion
ii. Harappan script – writing from left to right
iii. Tool making – use of iron
iv. Burial – burying the dead in pits
(A) Only (i)
(B) Only (ii)
(C) Only (iii)
(D) Only (iv)
Answer: (D) Only (iv)
Explanation:
Harappans buried their dead in pits, sometimes with pottery and ornaments. Iron was unknown to Harappans (they used copper/bronze). Script was mostly boustrophedon (right to left and left to right alternately).
Q4. Choose the correct statements about ‘Agrahara’.
i. Land gifted to Brahmins.
ii. Brahmins were not required to collect taxes.
iii. Brahmins had the right to collect taxes from locals.
iv. Brahmins had to pay tax to the king once a year.
(A) i, ii, iii
(B) Yes, iii
(C) i, iii, iv
(D) ii, iii, iv
Answer: (A) i, ii, iii
Explanation:
‘Agrahara’ was tax-free land granted to Brahmins who could collect revenue from it. They were exempted from paying taxes to the king.
Q5. ‘Harshacharita’ is the biography of Harshavardhana, the ruler of Kannauj, written in Sanskrit by —
(A) Kautilya
(B) Megasthenes
(C) Banabhatta
(D) Hiuen Tsang
Answer: (C) Banabhatta
Explanation:
Banabhatta, court poet of Harshavardhana, wrote ‘Harshacharita’ in Sanskrit — an early example of royal biography.
Q6. What was the association of producers and merchants called?
(A) Shreni (Guild)
(B) Bazaar (Market)
(C) Dal (Group)
(D) Sangh (Association)
Answer: (A) Shreni (Guild)
Explanation:
In early India, Shrenis were guild-like organizations of artisans or traders (e.g., potters, weavers). They regulated production, quality, and prices.
Q7. “According to rulers, only Kshatriyas could be kings.” Which rulers were exceptions?
(A) Shunga
(B) Kanva
(C) Satavahana
(D) All of the above
Answer : (D) All of the above
Explanation:
The Satavahanas claimed Brahmana lineage, Shunga and Kanva are also Brahmanas
Q8. Identify the picture — and choose the correct answer from the given options.
Options:
(A) Statue of Sheshnag
(B) Sculpture of Ajanta
(C) Statue of Ellora
(D) Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Sheshnag
Answer: (D) Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Sheshnag
Note: The following question is only for Visually Impaired Candidates in lieu of question по. 8.
Where is the Kailashnath temple situated?
(A) Bihar
(B) Devgarh
(C) Sanchi
(D) Ellora
Answer: (D) Ellora.
Explanation:
Kailashnath Temple at Ellora (Maharashtra) is a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; Vishnu’s reclining sculptures are also found in similar sites.
Q9. Assertion–Reason:
A: Buddha explained things using wisdom and logic.
R: He taught that death is inevitable, not to revive a dead child.
Options:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.
(D) (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct.
Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are correct, and (R) explains (A).
Explanation:
The Kisa Gotami story teaches that all beings must die. Buddha’s teachings were based on reason and human experience, not miracles.
Q10. Which the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
| Event | Correct Place |
|---|---|
| (A) Birth of Buddha | Lumbini |
| (B) Enlightenment | Bodh Gaya |
| (C) First Sermon | Sarnath |
| (D) Mahaparinirvana | Kushinagar |
Given wrong option:
(D) Mahaparinirvana of Buddha – Sanchi
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
Mahaparinirvana took place at Kushinagar, not Sanchi.
Q11. Which traveller was impressed by India’s postal system?
(A) Al-Biruni
(B) Abdur Razzaq
(C) François Bernier
(D) Ibn Battuta
Answer: (D) Ibn Battuta
Explanation:
Ibn Battuta praised the postal system (Dak-Chowki) of the Delhi Sultanate — with horses and runners every few miles.
Q12. What name does Abul Fazl give to land ownership?
(A) Begar
(B) Remunerations of sovereignty
(C) Oriental Despotism
(D) Private property
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
In Ain-i-Akbari, Abul Fazl wrote that land belonged to the emperor, and ownership was a remuneration of sovereignty, not private property.
Q13. Choose the correct statements:
i. Ibn Battuta described an impressive system — yes (postal).
ii. Bernier emphasized European superiority.
iii. Al-Biruni called Mughals “beggars and barbarians”
iv. Bernier wrote ‘Rihla’
(A) i, ii, iii
(C) i, ii
(B) i, ii, iv
(D) i, ii, iii, iv
Answer: (C) i, ii
Explanation:
Ibn Battuta wrote Rihla; Bernier wrote Travels in the Mughal Empire.
14. “Nalayira Divyaprabandham” is related to —
(A) Nayanar Saints
(B) Alvar Saints
(C) Vedic Tradition
(D) Dravidian Tradition
Answer: (B)
Explanation:
The Nalayira Divyaprabandham is a Tamil collection of 4000 hymns by Alvar saints devoted to Vishnu.
Q15. Who established the Khalsa Panth?
(A) Guru Angad Devji
(B) Guru Nanak Devji
(C) Guru Tegh Bahadur
(D) Guru Gobind Singh
Answer: (D)
Explanation:
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib to unite Sikhs as saint-soldiers.
Q16. Krishnadevaraya wrote ‘Amuktamalyada’ in —
(A) Tamil
(B) Sanskrit
(C) Telugu
(D) Kannada
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
‘Amuktamalyada’, meaning “The Giver of the Worn Garland”, was written in Telugu by Krishnadevaraya, describing ideal kingship and devotion.
Q17. Arrange Vijayanagara dynasties chronologically:
i. Sangama
ii. Aravidu
iii. Tuluva
iv. Saluva
(A) i, iii, iv, ii
(B) ii, i, iii, iv
(C) i, iv, iii, ii
(D) i, ii, iii, iv
Correct order: i → iv → iii → ii ✅
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
- Sangama (1336–1485)
- Saluva (1485–1505)
- Tuluva (1505–1570, Krishnadevaraya’s dynasty)
- Aravidu (1570–1650)
18. Fill in the blanks:
‘Chariot streets’ were an important feature of _____ complexes.
(A) State
(B) Temple
(C) Court
(D) House
Answer: (B) Temple
Explanation:
In Vijayanagara, broad ‘Chariot streets’ ran around temple complexes for processions of temple chariots.
Q19. The Mughal administration encouraged farmers to cultivate jins-i-kamil (best crops) because —
(A) It was a part of human diet.
(B) Its storage was easy.
(C) It yielded more revenue to the state.
(D) Its cultivation was easy.
Answer: (C) It yielded more revenue to the state.
Explanation:
‘Jins-i-Kamil’ included crops like sugarcane, cotton, indigo — high-value crops generating greater tax revenue.
Q20. In the Mughal period, the actual amount of revenue collected was called _____.
(A) Jama
(B) Hasil
(C) Jins
(D) Kar – tax
Answer: (B) Hasil
Explanation:
‘Jama’ = estimated revenue; ‘Hasil’ = collected revenue in reality.
Q21. Identify the Mahabharata character:
- Expressed love for Bhima.
- Told Kunti she liked her tiger-like son.
- Gave birth to a demon son (Ghatotkacha).
(A) Subhadra
(B) Draupadi
(C) Hidimba
(D) Bhanumati
Answer: (C) Hidimba
Explanation:
Hidimba, a forest demoness, fell in love with Bhima, married him, and bore Ghatotkacha.
Section–B (Short Answer Type Questions) (3 marks x6)
Q22. (A) Which archaeological evidences prove that the people of the Harappan civilization were involved in commercial activities?
Answer:
The Harappans had extensive trade networks, proven by several archaeological evidences:
- Seals and Sealings: Thousands of seals (made of steatite) with motifs and inscriptions were used to stamp goods, indicating commercial transactions and identity of traders.
- Weights and Measures: Standardized weights (made of chert) found at sites like Lothal and Harappa show a regulated trade system ensuring fairness in exchange.
- Foreign Materials and Ports: Discovery of Mesopotamian artefacts, Persian Gulf shells, and Lothal dockyard prove long-distance maritime trade with Mesopotamia, Oman, and Bahrain.
OR
(B) How were the dead buried in Harappan society? Describe.
Answer:
Burial practices of Harappans reflect their beliefs in an afterlife:
- Pit Burials: Dead bodies were placed in rectangular pits, sometimes lined with bricks; in some cases, burial jars were used for infants.
- Grave Goods: Objects such as pottery, ornaments, and food were placed with the body, showing belief in life after death.
- Orientation and Rituals: Bodies were generally laid in a north–south orientation; symbolic burials and fractional burials (where only part of the body was buried) also occurred.
Q23. What challenges do historians face while interpreting inscriptions?
Answer:
Inscriptions are crucial historical sources, but historians face multiple challenges:
- Decipherment Issues: Some scripts like Harappan script remain undeciphered, making interpretation incomplete.
- Damage and Incompleteness: Many inscriptions are worn out, fragmented, or eroded, making readings uncertain.
- Bias and Context: Inscriptions were often issued by rulers, glorifying achievements while ignoring defeats or social realities, leading to one-sided interpretations.
Q24. (A) “Be your own light for yourself, because you have to find your own path to salvation.”
In the context of this statement, describe the teachings of Mahatma Buddha.
Answer:
Buddha emphasized self-effort, ethical conduct, and mindfulness:
- Four Noble Truths: Life is full of suffering; desire causes suffering; ending desire ends suffering; the path to cessation is the Eightfold Path.
- Middle Path and Self-Effort: Buddha advised a balanced life — avoiding luxury and austerity — and stressed individual effort for enlightenment.
- No Dependence on Rituals or Caste: He rejected ritual sacrifices and caste hierarchy, focusing on wisdom (Prajna), ethical conduct (Sheel), and mental discipline (Samadhi) for liberation (Nirvana).
OR
(B) Why is the contribution of the Begums of Bhopal considered decisive in preserving the Sanchi Stupa? Explain the steps taken by them.
Answer:
Begums of Bhopal played a pioneering role in conserving India’s Buddhist heritage:
- Protection and Restoration: Begums like Shah Jahan Begum and Sultan Jahan Begum took major initiatives to preserve and restore Sanchi Stupa, which was in ruins by the 19th century.
- Archaeological Support: They funded excavation and conservation work and supported the efforts of John Marshall, the then Director-General of ASI.
- Promotion of Heritage Awareness: By building roads, a museum, and rest houses, they helped make Sanchi a center of Buddhist tourism and study.
Q25. According to Ibn Battuta, what were the characteristics of Indian cities? Mention the aspects he described in his travelogue.
Answer:
Ibn Battuta’s Rihla gives a vivid picture of urban India during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign:
- Urban Prosperity: Indian cities like Delhi and Daulatabad were crowded, well-built, and prosperous with bazaars, mosques, and schools.
- Efficient Administration: He admired the postal system (Dak-Chowki) with horse and foot runners ensuring fast communication.
- Diversity and Trade: Cities were multicultural, inhabited by merchants, scholars, and craftsmen, showing the economic and cultural vibrancy of India.
Q26. Write a short note on the famous saint Mirabai of the Bhakti tradition.
Answer:
Mirabai, a 16th-century saint-poetess of Rajasthan, was one of the most celebrated Bhakti figures:
- Devotion to Krishna: She considered Lord Krishna as her divine husband and expressed her devotion through soulful bhajans in Rajasthani and Braj languages.
- Rejection of Social Norms: She defied royal and patriarchal restrictions, symbolizing spiritual freedom and equality in devotion.
- Spiritual Message: Her compositions emphasized pure love (prem bhakti) and the idea that God is attainable through devotion, not rituals or caste.
Q27. Highlight the major aspects expressed by Abdur Razzaq on the fortifications of Vijayanagara.
Answer:
Abdur Razzaq, the Persian envoy (1443 CE), provided an eye-witness account of Vijayanagara’s grandeur:
- Massive Fortifications: He described seven concentric fort walls enclosing the royal city, each with strong gates and watchtowers.
- Strategic Planning: The walls surrounded not only palaces but also fields, gardens, and markets, showing military and economic planning.
- Impression of Grandeur: He wrote that Vijayanagara was “one of the most splendid cities in the world,” with astonishing strength and beauty, reflecting imperial power and prosperity.
SECTION–C (Long Answer Type Questions) (8 marks x3)
28. (A) Clarify the notions related to ownership of resources in the Mahabharata period.
Answer:
The Mahabharata reflects the social and economic structure of early Indian society and their ideas about property, resources, and ownership.
- Private Ownership of Land:
By the Mahabharata period, land ownership became hereditary, especially among the Kshatriyas and Brahmanas. - Royal Control:
Kings were considered the supreme owners of land and granted it as tax-free gifts (agrahara) to Brahmanas and officials. - Communal Ownership:
In some villages, common pastures, forests, and water sources were collectively used and managed by local communities. - Women’s Property Rights:
The concept of Stridhan existed—property gifted to women at marriage, which she could control, though often limited socially. - Slaves and Servants as Resources:
The epic mentions Dasa and Dasi, who were treated as property of their masters, showing social inequalities. - Conflict over Possession:
The war between the Kauravas and Pandavas symbolized struggles for land and political control—the primary resource of the time. - Caste and Resource Distribution:
Access to land and wealth was governed by varna dharma—Brahmanas performed rituals, Kshatriyas ruled, Vaishyas traded, and Shudras laboured. - Moral Notions of Possession:
The Mahabharata also questioned greed—dharma (righteousness) was considered superior to material wealth.
OR
(B) “The Manusmriti laid down the duties of the Chandals.” Examine.
Answer:
The Manusmriti provides one of the earliest descriptions of social hierarchy and the position of the Chandals, considered “untouchables.”
- Position in Society:
Chandals were placed outside the Varna system, below the Shudras, symbolizing social exclusion and discrimination. - Hereditary Status:
Their occupation and status were determined by birth, reinforcing rigid social stratification. - Duties and Occupations:
They were assigned polluting jobs—handling corpses, cleaning, execution, and removing waste. - Rules of Contact:
Manusmriti directed strict segregation; Chandals were to live outside villages and use discarded utensils and clothes. - Restrictions on Interaction:
Touching or even the shadow of a Chandal was considered impure by upper castes. - Denial of Religious Rights:
They were prohibited from performing rituals, reciting Vedas, or participating in temple activities. - Punishments and Control:
Any violation of caste rules by Chandals was severely punished, maintaining Brahmanical dominance. - Reflection of Caste Ideology:
The Manusmriti institutionalized untouchability and inequality, legitimizing social hierarchies for centuries.
Q29. (A) Describe the teachings of Kabir.
Answer:
Kabir (15th century) was a prominent Bhakti saint who sought to unite Hindus and Muslims through his spiritual and social teachings.
- Belief in One God:
Kabir preached monotheism—that there is only one formless God (Alakh Niranjan), beyond all religious divisions. - Rejection of Rituals:
He condemned idol worship, pilgrimage, and caste-based rituals, emphasizing the inner devotion (Bhakti) of the heart. - Equality of All:
He rejected caste distinctions and said that all human beings are equal before God, whether Hindu or Muslim. - Importance of Guru:
For Kabir, Guru (spiritual teacher) was essential for attaining divine wisdom and liberation. - Love and Humanity:
He emphasized love, compassion, and tolerance, rejecting religious hatred and orthodoxy. - Inner Purity over Outer Appearance:
Kabir believed that true purity lies in conduct and thought, not in rituals or wearing sacred threads. - Critique of Religious Hypocrisy:
He criticized both Hindu Brahmins and Muslim Maulvis for empty rituals and hypocrisy. - Simple Life and Devotion:
Kabir advocated a simple, honest life devoted to remembering God through Naam Simran (chanting God’s name).
OR
(B) Explain the main religious beliefs and practices of Sufism.
Answer:
Sufism emerged as a mystical dimension of Islam, focusing on love, devotion, and closeness to God.
- Unity with God (Tawhid):
Sufis believed that God is one and omnipresent; the soul’s goal is union with the Divine. - Love and Devotion:
Sufis considered Ishq-e-Haqiqi (divine love) the highest path to realize God. - Spiritual Master (Pir or Murshid):
Every disciple needed a spiritual guide to attain divine truth and control worldly desires. - Simple Living:
They lived a life of poverty, humility, and meditation, rejecting materialism and luxury. - Zikr and Sama:
Sufis practiced Zikr (chanting God’s names) and Sama (music and dance) to reach spiritual ecstasy. - Tolerance and Brotherhood:
They promoted peace, tolerance, and service, accepting followers from all castes and religions. - Khanqahs and Dargahs:
Sufis established Khanqahs (monasteries) as centers of devotion and social service. - Spread of Islam:
Through their compassion and simplicity, Sufis helped spread Islam in India peacefully, especially among the poor.
Q30. (A) “Despite its limitations, Ain-i-Akbari remains a unique document for its time.” Critically describe this statement.
Answer:
The Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazl (part of Akbarnama) is an extraordinary record of Akbar’s administration and empire.
- Administrative Detail:
It describes the imperial system, including mansabdari, revenue system, army, and court life. - Socio-Economic Information:
Provides data on crops, prices, wages, population, and local produce, making it a valuable economic record. - Religious Policy:
Reflects Akbar’s Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace) policy and tolerant outlook toward all religions. - Cultural and Literary Insight:
It gives accounts of art, architecture, education, and festivals, offering a picture of Mughal culture. - Administrative Statistics:
The Ain lists Sarkars, Subas, Jagirs, and officials, showing a systematic governance model. - Limitations:
However, it idealized Akbar, ignoring flaws and excluding lower-class voices. - Bias and Partiality:
Written to glorify the emperor, it lacks critical objectivity in describing events or conflicts. - Historical Importance:
Despite its bias, Ain-i-Akbari remains a pioneering administrative and socio-economic survey, unparalleled for its time.
OR
(B) Describe the contribution of women in rural agrarian society in the 16th–17th centuries, explaining their status.
Answer:
Women were active participants in the Mughal agrarian economy, though their social position remained limited.
- Agricultural Work:
Women worked in fields during harvest, sowing, and threshing, contributing directly to production. - Household and Dairy Activities:
They managed household chores, milking cattle, collecting fuel and water, and preparing food. - Craft and Cottage Industry:
Many women engaged in spinning, weaving, pottery, and beadwork, supporting rural crafts. - Participation in Trade:
In some areas, they sold dairy and farm products in local markets, earning supplementary income. - Property Rights:
Women from wealthy families occasionally held zamindari rights or inherited jagirs, though under male control. - Social Restrictions:
Patriarchal norms restricted women’s mobility and ownership, and widows often faced hardships. - Role in Festivals and Religion:
Women maintained religious rituals, folk traditions, and community customs, enriching cultural life. - Symbol of Strength and Survival:
Despite low status, rural women were the backbone of agrarian labor, ensuring village survival and continuity.
SECTION-D (Source-Based Questions)
Q31.
Carefully read the given source and answer the questions given below:
(1+1+2=4)
The Sudarshana (beautiful) lake in Gujarat
The Sudarshana lake was an artificial reservoir. We know about it from a rock inscription (c. second century CE) in Sanskrit, composed to record the achievements of the Shaka ruler Rudradaman.
The inscription mentions that the lake, with embankments and water channels, was built by a local governor during the rule of the Mauryas. However, a terrible storm broke the embankments and water pushed out of the lake. Rudradaman, who was men ruling in the area, claimed to have got the lake repaired using his own resources, without imposing any tax on his subjects.
Another inscription on the same rock (c. fifth century) mentions how one of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty got the lake repaired once again.
Q 31.1 From where do we get information about Sudarshan Lake? (1)
Answer : We get information about Sudarshana Lake from a rock inscription in Sanskrit (c. 2nd century CE) that records the achievements of Rudradaman, the Shaka ruler.
Q 31.2 Rudradaman was the ruler of which dynasty?
Answer: Rudradaman was a ruler of the Shaka (Western Kshatrapa) dynasty.
Q 31.3 What was notable about the repair of the lake by Rudradaman?
Answer :
- Rudradaman repaired the Sudarshana Lake using his own resources.
- He did not impose any tax on his subjects for this public work.
- His act reflected benevolent and welfare-oriented governance.
Q32.
A sprawling city
This is an excerpt from Domingo Paes’s description of Vijayanagara:
The size of this city I do not write here, because it cannot all be seen from any one spot, but I climbed a hill whence I could see a great part of it, I could not see it all because it lies between several ranges of hills. What I saw from thence seemed to me as large as Rome, and very beautiful to the sight; there are many groves of trees within it, in the gardens of the houses, and many conduits of water which flow into the midst of it, and in places there are lakes; and the king has close to his palace a palm-grove and other rich fruit-bearing trees.
Q 32.1 Which artisans worked in the imperial karkhanas?
Answer : Artisans such as embroiderers, goldsmiths, painters, varnishers, joiners, turners, tailors, shoemakers, and manufacturers of silk, brocade, and muslin worked in these karkhanas.
Q 32.2 From where do we get information about the royal workshops?
Answer :
We get information about the imperial karkhanas from the writings of François Bernier, a French traveller.
Q 32.3 According to Bernier’s description, what was the condition of the artisans?
Answer :
- Artisans worked in a routine and monotonous manner, under supervision.
- They lacked opportunities for advancement and innovation.
- Their lives were disciplined but static, showing little change in social or economic status.
Q33. Carefully read the given source and answer the questions given below:
A sprawling city
This is an excerpt from Domingo Paes’s description of Vijayanagara:
H to me vases
The size of this city I do not write here, because it cannot all be seen from any one spot, but I climbed a hill whence I could see a great part of it, I could not see it all because it lies between several ranges of hills. What I saw from thence seemed to me as large as Rome, and very beautiful to the sight; there are many groves of trees within it, in the gardens of the houses, and many conduits of water which flow into the midst of it, and in places there are lakes; and the king has close to his palace a palm-grove and other rich fruit-bearing trees.
Q33.1 Who is the author of the description of Vijayanagara excerpted here?
Answer :
The author of the description is Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveller.
Q33.2 In terms of size, Vijayanagara is compared to which European city?
Answer (1 mark):
Vijayanagara is compared to the city of Rome in size and grandeur.
Q33.3 How has the author described the beauty of Vijayanagara?
Answer (2 marks):
- He described Vijayanagara as a large and beautiful city spread across hills and valleys.
- The city had groves of trees, gardens, water conduits, and lakes that enhanced its beauty.
- Near the king’s palace were palm groves and fruit-bearing trees, adding to its richness and splendour.
Q 34. Map based question
A. Barhut Stupa
B. Amravati Stupa
